Got news?   tips@destructoid.com  |  Never miss a story:   RSS + Twitter + YouTube
Hey! New here? Destructoid is a gaming discussion community, updated nearly every 20 minutes. Make a quick avatar to comment and enter our contests. Take the tour!

 


Home Nintendo updates

Analyst says DSi will not increase the audience significantly

1:20 PM on 10.03.2008, Colette Bennett 21 comments

Analyst says DSi will not increase the audience significantly photo
     Nintendo

Worked up about the new DSi? It seems impressions of Nintendo's new hardware vary widely, but analysts have already begun to assess the impact that the DSi could have on the consumer, and some of them aren't feeling too positive about it.

UBS Investment Research analyst Ben Schachter commented on Nintendo's proud new announcement:

"The new functions to be added to the DSi are no more than minor changes, and as such are unlikely to expand the NDS user base, in our view," advised Schacther. "Demand is likely to centre on replacement. Additional functions may extend the software line-up but not by enough to further boost consumer spending. Body size will be smaller, but not enough to change convenience dramatically." 

Schachter also notes that the DSi does not address the issue of the hardware's microprocessor unit, but this could be good news rather than bad for gamers hoping for a stronger handheld, as he advises that a full model change would be required in the next 2-3 years to keep up with current demands for capacity.

Nintendo seems determined to continue to present products that are behind the curve when it comes to cutting edge hardware, yet still seem to be tremendously successful anyway. I have no problem with this strategy, but I have to admit I would prefer to see the next incarnation of the handheld rather than a souped up version with 2 cameras. What are your thoughts on it?

[Via Gamespot]


Next page: More Analysts stories




NihonTiger90's Avatar
NihonTiger90 at 10/03/2008 13:29
I think it will drag Apple into this war.
Leathersoup's Avatar
Leathersoup at 10/03/2008 13:30
This is all the proof I need that Nintendo isn't as prophetic as they were trying to make themselves out to be when they got lucky with the Wii and the original DS Lite.
Sam Spectre's Avatar
Sam Spectre at 10/03/2008 13:32
@Nihon:

That would be sick. The only two benefits of the DSi I see is a possible price reduction in the DS Lite and motivating Apple to join the hand held gaming movement.
Holyetheline's Avatar
Holyetheline at 10/03/2008 13:34
I really don't care about the DSi at all.
byrc's Avatar
byrc at 10/03/2008 13:40
To be honest the camera shit is ridiculous. But i'm really interested in a new DS because of the SD card slot, bigger screen, and slimmer profile. Is this going to push demand...NO!


I think we're ready for DS2, however Nintendo doesn't seem ready for that.

I'm still having fun with my DS and I have problem staying with the current platform for another year. Anyone who expected DS 2 from the Nintendo Press Meeting, is stupid.

I honestly have no issue with portable gaming systems getting hardware revisions (main consoles yes, since their pricing is much higher).

Just for your guys information, I'll be picking up the psp-3000 (making it my 3rd psp) this October and I'll be importing the DSi just in time to play Star Ocean Psp and Chrono Trigger DS, both Triple A+ games from the 16-bit days.
PEICanada7's Avatar
PEICanada7 at 10/03/2008 14:07
"I'll be picking up the psp-3000"

Yeah because that's such a revolutionary redesign. Sony added a mic, and a bit better looking screen. Yippy! I don't see why anyone would be upset over a redesign for anything. Its not like you got to buy it if you don't want it. People just get pissed because they actually do want it, but just don't want to pay for it.

These same people probably have no problem what-so-ever buying a new iPod every year though. I have had a DS Lite for about a year now, and I will be getting a new DSi next year because I couldn't care less about the GBA slot. That's what my DS Lite will be for if I ever actually bother to get a GBA game to play on it someday!
falsoman's Avatar
falsoman at 10/03/2008 14:17
I would say that having been already 4 years that the DS got released we could say we're due to a next gen handheld. However the DS is getting more games than ever. So it's kinda logical that nintendo is not gonna give up on it with the profit margins that the hardware must be generating them and the really great sells that software on the DS is getting.

There are still tons of games coming out and they're selling pretty well. The only thing makes me kinda upset is that downloadable games are coming on the same platform but you need a new really more expensive model.

I don't think is time yet to replace the DS, i just think the new model is too expensive for what little updates they actually put in there.
Springsteen's Avatar
Springsteen at 10/03/2008 14:23
UBS= Utter Bull Sh*t?

Anyhow, the guys is, as far as my eyes can reach, pretty much correct. The thing he must've missed is that many people don't buy videogames because they are, well, videogames. I myself have seen some people who bought the PSP only because it offered some interesting multimedia option AND the possibility of playing games. Nintendo has garnered a huge crowd of non gamers with DS and DSlite, but left untouched the market share that likes to play games but sees no point in having a device exclusively for such.

DSi should have come out a year ago, in consumer's-oriented perspective. As far as Nintendo's profitable endeavor, they're doing it perfectly. DSlite is still selling well, they're just trying to nab an even less game-centered crowd: As seen in the absence of the GBA slot. DSlite will likely still remain selling well due to its more "roots" public.

Honestly, I'm just glad I haven't bought Lite yet, so that I can have the(arguably) best among the DSs as soon as DSi comes out. And as long as they keep selling, Nintendo of Japan will keep on getting them cashes to invest in the R&D department, which is always nice. Specially given the need to surpass the novelty factor of both Wii and DS in the next generation.
byrc's Avatar
byrc at 10/03/2008 14:39
@PEICanada

Wow, how nice of you to take my quote out of context.

If you actually read my whole post, you would have read that I'll be getting both. I actually like the DSi. I think the camera is stupid, but the bigger screen, slimmer profile, and sd card slot makes it worthwhile for me. Why do I want the psp-3000? It's lighter, has a brighter screen, with higher contrast ratio (which always a plus), therefore reducing the large amount of ghosting still plaguing the psp slim.

Boy, you are one stupid jackass.
king3vbo's Avatar
king3vbo at 10/03/2008 15:14
I need a new DS, and will be buying a Lite, not a DSi
PEICanada7's Avatar
PEICanada7 at 10/03/2008 15:25
@ byrc

First off sorry I didn't mean to imply that you were one of those people as I was just making a general point. Like you said you're getting a DSi so I didn't think you would take it the wrong way. I was just saying people didn't mind the Sony PSP 3000 redesign that's all.

Second off calm the fuck down. There's no need to get all hostile I didn't say any bad about you in the slightest. Its just a video game blog here. So there's no need to start insulting people by calling them "stupid assholes" just for giving a general opinion!
Cyberxion's Avatar
Cyberxion at 10/03/2008 16:33
Who knows what the future will bring? Nobody. Not even these analysts, who make a living off of pretending that following market trends and whatnot gives them some sort of incite into the future. Granted one can make an educated guess that way, but it's still just a guess. And the thing about guesses is that they tend to have an even chance of either being correct, or being totally wrong. I think that if this particular shake of the magic 8-ball happens to work on in the analyst's favor it'll be down to coincidence, and not because this guy knows what he's talking about.

Now I can't speak for anyone else, but I want one of these things. Not because of the cameras, though those might represent interesting gameplay possibilities. No, I want one for everything else they've packed in. Hell, the potential that exists in its connectivity with the Wii alone has me looking forward to it.

@ PEICanada7

If you chose to quote someone in order to help you express a "general opinion", it might be a good idea not to lace the first couple of sentences of your post with sarcasm that's clearly directed toward the person you quoted. Otherwise it not only looks like you were directly addressing them, but in cases like this it looks like you completely misinterpreted what they said. And the rules say you don't get to be offended when they call you out for coming off like a jerk that lacks elementary comprehension skills.

Just my two cents.
Cyberxion's Avatar
Cyberxion at 10/03/2008 16:34
Who knows what the future will bring? Nobody. Not even these analysts, who make a living off of pretending that following market trends and whatnot gives them some sort of incite into the future. Granted one can make an educated guess that way, but it's still just a guess. And the thing about guesses is that they tend to have an even chance of either being correct, or being totally wrong. I think that if this particular shake of the magic 8-ball happens to work on in the analyst's favor it'll be down to coincidence, and not because this guy knows what he's talking about.

Now I can't speak for anyone else, but I want one of these things. Not because of the cameras, though those might represent interesting gameplay possibilities. No, I want one for everything else they've packed in. Hell, the potential that exists in its connectivity with the Wii alone has me looking forward to it.

@ PEICanada7

If you chose to quote someone in order to help you express a "general opinion", it might be a good idea not to lace the first couple of sentences of your post with sarcasm that's clearly directed toward the person you quoted. Otherwise it not only looks like you were directly addressing them, but in cases like this it looks like you completely misinterpreted what they said. And the rules say you don't get to be offended when they call you out for coming off like a jerk that lacks elementary comprehension skills.

Just my two cents.
B-Radicate's Avatar
B-Radicate at 10/03/2008 20:29
Nintendo added waggle and stylus control to games. Those are the only two things they've done that are remotely innovative in recent memory. Since then they haven't done anything that has impressed me and, quite frankly, until waggle is used more creatively and effectively, it'll never be more than a gimmick to me.

And yes. I own a Wii. Just never play it.
ikiryou's Avatar
ikiryou at 10/04/2008 10:03
Seriously, I just bought a PS3 and have no funds left to buy the umpteenth iteration of the DS. I already own a PSP, which *already* has better features and better-looking games. Plus, I absolutely hate planned obsolescence. Shame on Nintendo for pimping out their DS like a really expensive and attractive-only-in-a-certain-light callgirl!
Wedge's Avatar
Wedge at 10/04/2008 22:07
Is it really possible to expand the audience past "everyone" anyways?
garrfunkel's Avatar
garrfunkel at 10/05/2008 05:05
@ikiryou

By umpteenth do you mean third?
GameZombie's Avatar
GameZombie at 10/05/2008 19:48
Is Nintendo in a "lets make some really unsubstantial upgrades to our system" modes right now? This and the SD cards for Wii make it seem that way.
prev next

Returning Dtoiders: login now to post a comment

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just Create an avatar now - it's fast and free: PLUS you also get your own gaming blog and begin posting stories and uploading videos in our open community area that may also appear on our home page. Sign up and we'll guide you through it, it's easy and 100% anonymous.




 Original Videos

 Reviews
Mad Dog McCree Gunslinger Pack
Overlord II
Yosumin Live!
Let's Tap
Ghostbusters: The Video Game (Wii)
View all Game Reviews

 Community blogs -   39776 Dtoiders!

This month's theme: Untapped Potential

New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide


 Originals

How Pokemon Red is blatantly better than Pokemon Blue











more original Destructoid stories



 Popular now more













Destructoid is:
Nick Chester
Editor-in-Chief
Jim Sterling
Reviews Editor
Dale North
News Editor
Hamza Aziz
Community Manager
Anthony Burch
Features Editor
Rey Gutierrez
Video editor & director
Niero
Founder, publisher
Letters to the editors
tips@destructoid.com
Associate Editors
Ashley Davis Jonathan Holmes
Brad Nicholson Jonathan Ross
Brad Rice Jordan Devore
Chad Concelmo Matthew Razak
Colette Bennett Tom Fronczak
Conrad Zimmerman Topher Cantler
Dyson Samit Sarkar
Contributors
Adam Dork
Ben Perlee
Daniel Lingen
Joseph Leray
Joe Burling
Mikey
Will Maddock
Stella Wong




get involved

register or login
post a blog
post a forum
enter a contest
discuss a review
contribute a news tip
write a guest editorial
support

new member's guide
login assistance
tech support
report abuse
email our editors
read our dev blog
nuclear crisis?
keep in touch

RSS feed
Twitter
Facebook
Myspace
Flickr
Game nights
Meet-ups
seriously

about us
advertising
terms of use
privacy policy
jobs at MM
buy our crap
our network

Tomopop
Japanator




Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
living the dream since March 16, 2006